Deuteronomy 7:2

KJV

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall deliver {H5414} them before {H6440} thee; thou shalt smite {H5221} them, and utterly {H2763} destroy {H2763} them; thou shalt make {H3772} no covenant {H1285} with them, nor shew mercy {H2603} unto them:

Complete Jewish Bible

When he does this, when ADONAI your God hands them over ahead of you, and you defeat them, you are to destroy them completely! Do not make any covenant with them. Show them no mercy.

Berean Standard Bible

and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.

American Standard Version

and when Jehovah thy God shall deliver them up before thee, and thou shalt smite them; then thou shalt utterly destroy them: thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy unto them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:2 presents a severe divine injunction to ancient Israel regarding the indigenous inhabitants of Canaan. As Moses delivers his final instructions before the nation's entry into the Promised Land, this verse commands the Israelites to utterly destroy the Canaanite nations, forbidding any covenant or display of mercy towards them. This radical directive underscores God's unwavering commitment to Israel's holiness and His righteous judgment against the pervasive and corrupting wickedness of the Canaanite cultures, thereby safeguarding the purity of His covenant people and the land consecrated for His divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:2 is situated within Moses' second major discourse, delivered to the generation preparing to enter Canaan from the plains of Moab. This chapter forms a critical section of the covenant renewal, outlining the specific stipulations for Israel's interaction with the nations already dwelling in the land. Following the Lord's promise in [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - God's Promise to Dispossess Nations") to dispossess "seven nations greater and mightier" than Israel, verse 2 issues the uncompromising mandate for their complete removal. The immediate subsequent verses, such as [Deuteronomy 7:3-5](/deuteronomy/7-3-5 "Deuteronomy 7:3-5 - Warnings Against Intermarriage and Idolatry"), provide the theological rationale for this severity: to prevent spiritual assimilation, intermarriage, and the adoption of idolatrous practices that would inevitably lead Israel astray from their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The entire chapter, therefore, functions as a foundational instruction for maintaining covenant fidelity through strict separation from pagan influences, ensuring Israel's distinct identity as God's holy people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Deuteronomy 7:2 must be understood within the specific historical and cultural landscape of the ancient Near East and the unique theological framework of God's covenant with Israel. Canaanite cultures were notorious for their profound moral depravity and religious syncretism, characterized by widespread idolatry (worship of Baal, Asherah, Dagon), ritual prostitution, and the horrific practice of child sacrifice to deities like Molech. These practices were explicitly condemned as "abominations" to Yahweh, representing a deep spiritual corruption that threatened to defile both Israel and the land itself. As God had revealed to Abraham centuries prior, in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Complete"), the "iniquity of the Amorites" (a representative term for the Canaanites) had reached its full measure, justifying divine judgment. This command was not an endorsement of indiscriminate genocide but a divinely ordained, limited, and specific act of judgment and purification against a uniquely depraved culture that posed an existential spiritual threat to God's chosen nation and the sanctity of the Promised Land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against profound wickedness and His commitment to purifying the land for His holy purposes. The command to "utterly destroy them" is an act of divine justice, not human malice, against a people whose moral corruption had reached its apex. Secondly, it emphasizes **Holiness and Purity**, underscoring God's absolute demand for Israel to be a set-apart nation, untainted by the spiritual and moral corruption of their neighbors. The severity of the command reflects the extreme danger of spiritual compromise and assimilation, as warned in [Deuteronomy 7:4](/deuteronomy/7-4 "Deuteronomy 7:4 - Consequences of Turning Away from God"), which explicitly states that intermarriage would lead Israel to serve other gods. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Exclusivity of Worship** and **Covenant Fidelity**. The prohibition against making covenants or showing mercy directly serves to prevent any form of religious syncretism or deviation from exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the one true God. Israel's unique identity as God's treasured possession, a "holy people" ([Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People")), necessitated this radical separation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **utterly destroy (Hebrew, _châram'_):** This translates the Hebrew verb חָרַם (H2763, _châram_), meaning "to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction)." It signifies a complete separation from common use and a consecration to God, often by destruction. In this context, it means the Canaanites were to be completely removed, not for Israel's personal gain or out of malice, but as an act of devotion and judgment to God. Anything or anyone placed under _ḥērem_ (the noun form) was considered irrevocably dedicated to God, implying its complete removal from human possession, usually through destruction, to prevent spiritual contamination and preserve the purity of the land and people. This was a unique, divinely commanded act for a specific historical purpose, not a general principle for all warfare.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** This word, בְּרִית (H1285, _bᵉrîyth_), derives from a root meaning "to cut," referring to the ancient practice of cutting animals in half when making a compact. It denotes a binding agreement, a compact, confederacy, or league. The prohibition against making a "covenant" with the Canaanites is crucial because such an agreement would imply a recognition of their gods and a willingness to coexist with their idolatrous practices, directly violating Israel's exclusive covenant with Yahweh. It underscores the absolute necessity of exclusive allegiance to God and the dangers of spiritual syncretism.
* **shew mercy (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** The verb חָנַן (H2603, _chânan_) means "to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; to be gracious," or "to have pity/mercy." In the context of the _ḥērem_ command, showing mercy would undermine the totality of the divine judgment and the complete separation required. It would leave room for the very influences that God intended to purge from the land and from Israel's midst, thereby compromising Israel's spiritual purity and covenant faithfulness. This command emphasizes that the judgment was absolute and without exception, reflecting the severity of the Canaanites' wickedness and the danger of their influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and sovereignty in the conquest. It is not Israel's military might or strategic prowess that will secure victory, but rather the active and faithful intervention of God. The "delivery" of the nations into Israel's hands is presented as a fulfillment of God's prior promises, highlighting His faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This frames the subsequent commands as divinely authorized and enabled.
* **"thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them;":** This is the core command, expressing the radical and uncompromising nature of the judgment. "Smite" (נָכָה, _nākhāh_) implies a decisive and forceful blow, while "utterly destroy" (חרם, _ḥāram_) signifies the complete removal and consecration to destruction, as elaborated in the key word analysis. This was a unique historical command against specific nations whose iniquity had reached its full measure, designed to protect Israel's spiritual integrity and prevent the spread of their abominable practices within the Promised Land. The repetition emphasizes the totality of the required action.
* **"thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:":** These prohibitions reinforce the absolute separation required and serve as a crucial safeguard against spiritual compromise. Making a covenant would signify a willingness to coexist and integrate, which would inevitably lead to spiritual syncretism and idolatry, as Israel would be exposed to and tempted by the Canaanite religious practices. Showing mercy, in this context, would mean allowing remnants of the corrupting influence to remain, jeopardizing Israel's holiness and their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. This command underscores the seriousness of God's demand for complete allegiance and purity, leaving no room for negotiation or partial obedience regarding the spiritual threat.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:2 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent and severe message. The most prominent is the pervasive use of **imperative mood** verbs ("thou shalt smite," "utterly destroy," "thou shalt make no covenant," "nor shew mercy"), which convey direct, non-negotiable commands from God through Moses. This authoritative tone emphasizes the divine origin and absolute necessity of these actions, leaving no room for human discretion or deviation. The phrase "utterly destroy them" utilizes the concept of **_ḥērem_**, which is a profound theological term acting as a **symbol** for complete devotion and consecration to God through destruction, rather than a mere act of violence. It signifies a setting apart for God's purposes, even if those purposes involve eradication. The **parallelism** in "thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them" underscores the comprehensive nature of the separation required, leaving no avenue for compromise or integration. Furthermore, the overall language, with its stark and absolute terms, functions as a form of **hyperbole** in its intensity, designed to impress upon Israel the gravity of the spiritual threat and the radical measures needed to maintain their distinct identity as God's holy people amidst pagan influences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:2, though challenging to modern sensibilities, reveals profound theological truths about God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. It demonstrates God's absolute holiness and His righteous intolerance for sin, particularly the pervasive idolatry and moral depravity that characterized the Canaanite nations. This command underscores that God's justice is not merely punitive but also redemptive and protective, aiming to preserve a pure people through whom His covenant promises could be fulfilled and His redemptive plan for humanity, culminating in the Messiah, could unfold. The severity of the instruction highlights the immense spiritual danger of compromise and the necessity of radical separation from anything that would lead His people astray from exclusive devotion to Him. It establishes a precedent for God's demand for total allegiance and the serious consequences of spiritual defilement, emphasizing that His people must be distinct and unpolluted by the world's wickedness.

* [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites Reaches Its Full Measure")
* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land")
* [Numbers 33:55-56](/numbers/33-55-56 "Numbers 33:55-56 - Consequences of Failing to Drive Out the Inhabitants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the command in Deuteronomy 7:2 was historically specific to ancient Israel and the conquest of Canaan, its underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to be a holy people, a royal priesthood, set apart for God in a world often hostile to His values and truth. The ancient call to "utterly destroy" and "make no covenant" with the Canaanites spiritually translates to a radical, uncompromising stance against sin, idolatry, and worldly influences in our lives. This means actively identifying and dismantling strongholds of sin, refusing to make peace with practices or attitudes that oppose God's will, and guarding our hearts and minds from spiritual defilement. It challenges us to examine our allegiances and commitments, ensuring that our devotion to Christ is exclusive and uncompromised. Just as Israel's partial obedience led to spiritual decline and compromise, our own spiritual vitality and effectiveness depend on a decisive break with anything that competes for God's rightful place in our lives. This verse calls us to a life of intentional purity and unwavering obedience, understanding that true freedom, joy, and blessing come from complete submission to God's transformative work within us and His call to radical discipleship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be making "covenants" or subtle compromises with worldly values that subtly undermine my devotion to God?**
* **What "idols" (anything that takes God's rightful place) or sinful habits do I need to "utterly destroy" and completely separate from in order to pursue greater holiness and purity?**
* **How does the seriousness of this ancient command inform my understanding of the gravity of sin and the importance of spiritual purity and uncompromising commitment to God today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more radical obedience and uncompromising commitment to Christ in my daily walk, actively resisting the influences that would draw me away from Him?**

### FAQ
**Is this command applicable to Christians today, and how do we reconcile it with God's love?**

Answer: The command in Deuteronomy 7:2 is not a general principle for all warfare or a directive for Christians to engage in the physical destruction of people. It was a unique, divinely ordained act of judgment against specific nations whose iniquity had reached its full measure, as God had foretold centuries earlier in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"). This command served a specific redemptive-historical purpose: to preserve the spiritual purity and distinct identity of Israel, through whom the Messiah would come, and to cleanse the land for God's holy presence. For Christians, the application is spiritual: we are called to wage war against sin within ourselves and the spiritual forces of evil ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")), not against people. God's love is perfectly consistent with His justice; His judgment on the Canaanites was a just response to their extreme and persistent wickedness, while His love is supremely demonstrated in His provision of salvation through Christ for all who believe, offering mercy to those who repent.

**What was the primary purpose of the "utterly destroy" (herem) command?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the *ḥērem* command was not arbitrary cruelty but the preservation of Israel's spiritual purity and the integrity of their covenant relationship with God. By completely removing the Canaanites and their deeply entrenched idolatrous practices, God sought to prevent spiritual contamination, syncretism, and the adoption of abominable rituals that would inevitably lead Israel away from Him. It was an act of divine surgery, cutting out a cancerous influence to save the body. The command to "make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them" ([Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Utterly Destroy")) reinforced this necessity for complete separation to maintain exclusive worship of Yahweh and ensure Israel remained a holy nation set apart for His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:2, with its stark commands for utter destruction and uncompromising separation, finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in Christ. While the Old Testament command dealt with a physical people and a literal land, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant that addresses the spiritual enemies of God's people: sin, death, and the devil. Christ Himself is the ultimate fulfillment of the *ḥērem* concept; He was "devoted to destruction" on the cross, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")) to utterly destroy the power of sin and death. Through His sacrifice, He purifies His people, enabling them to be truly set apart as a holy nation and a chosen race ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Holy Nation")). The call to "make no covenant" with the Canaanites foreshadows the New Testament imperative for believers to make no peace with sin or the world's corrupting influences ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World") and [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World is Enmity with God")). Instead, we are called to "put off the old self with its practices" ([Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9 - Put Off the Old Self")) and to "crucify the flesh with its passions and desires" ([Galatians 5:24](/galatians/5-24 "Galatians 5:24 - Crucify the Flesh")). Jesus' radical call to discipleship often involves a decisive break from anything that hinders our full devotion to Him, echoing the absolute separation demanded in Deuteronomy 7:2, but now applied to the spiritual battle within and around us, empowered by the indwelling Spirit of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 23:32

Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.

Exodus 23:33

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

Judges 2:2

And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?

Deuteronomy 20:16

But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:

Deuteronomy 20:17

But thou shalt utterly destroy them; [namely], the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

Leviticus 27:28

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, [both] of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing [is] most holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:29

None devoted, which shall be devoted of men, shall be redeemed; [but] shall surely be put to death.